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Jermichael Finley has $10 million insurance policy if he doesn't play in NFL again

Jermichael Finley suffered a spinal cord injury last year that required fusion surgery. (John W. McDonough/SI)

Jermichael Finley returning to Green Bay Packers? Mike McCarthy hopeful

After suffering what many felt could be a career-ending neck injury last season, former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley has been medically cleared to return by the surgeon who performed his operation.

Of course, that's just one of many hurdles Finley has to pass in his comeback attempt; the former Pro Bowl talent also will need to clear tests from team doctors of prospective NFL suitors, which isn't likely to be easy.

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Finley visited the Seattle Seahawks in free agency but failed their physical, which led to him getting more tests completed to prove his health. He likely believed the Seahawks would remain interested once he was cleared, but Seattle has apparently moved on.

That has left Finley with a key decision. Does he continue his attempts to play football again? Or does he cash in on a $10 million insurance policy?

NFL insider Ian Rapoport suggests Finley would need to make upwards of $20 million from an NFL team to clear more than $10 million after taxes. The thought of him making $20 million a year for the remainder of his career seems questionable, if indeed he finds a team interested in his services.

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